The FIDE Chess in Education Committee recently held an online seminar to celebrate the winners of the second cycle of the FIDE School Awards. The awards recognize schools that effectively use chess as an educational tool. They focus on programs that have a positive impact on their communities, promote the social and educational benefits of chess, and maintain sustainable, engaging models.
The awards are presented in gold, silver, and bronze categories, based on several evaluation criteria, including how chess is used as an educational tool, the school’s impact on its community, and innovation.
The ultimate goal of these awards is to raise awareness about the power of chess to transform education and improve lives.
Highlighting Award-Winning School Programs
During the webinar, several award-winning schools presented their programs, showcasing the diverse ways chess is integrated into education. These presentations highlighted the unique approaches different cultures use to incorporate chess into various subjects.
Here are two schools that were featured:
Overseas Family School (Singapore)
Overseas Family School received the FIDE Gold School Award for its comprehensive chess program. Chess is a mandatory subject for students in grades K-5, and the school promotes self-paced learning, helping children develop a love for the game. Innovative methods like chess yoga and songs are used to support learning. The school also fosters community engagement through events such as the “Checkmate to Racism” initiative.
Colegio Kender (Durango, Mexico)
Also awarded the FIDE Gold School Award, Colegio Kender combines traditional and digital chess tools in a dedicated learning space. The school hosts competitive tournaments and fun events like Halloween Chess Night. Chess is deeply ingrained in the school’s culture, with students participating from early education through high school. They also extend the reach of chess beyond the classroom by hosting public events.
Benefits for Award-Winning Schools
In addition to the honor of receiving the FIDE award, schools benefit from resources to further develop their chess programs.
These include:
- Up to 500 ChessKid Gold memberships (for 4 months)
- One-year Premium membership for LearningChess.net
- One-year Premium LogiqBoard license for up to five teachers
- Six months of free Notationary.app membership for teachers
- Discounts on online Preparation of Teachers (PoT) Courses
The Importance of Collaboration
The success of educational chess programs depends on collaboration between schools. Award winners are encouraged to connect, exchange ideas, and create international partnerships. These partnerships, which can include friendly competitions and cultural exchanges, help spread the educational and social benefits of chess. For example, two award-winning schools, Hamilton K-8 School (USA) and G C School of Careers (Cyprus), played an online friendly match that was celebrated in their communities.
Such international collaborations highlight chess’s ability to strengthen critical thinking and promote cultural understanding.
Applications for the 3rd Cycle of FIDE School Awards Now Open
Applications for the third cycle of the FIDE School Awards are open until April 30, 2025. Schools using chess as a tool to enhance education are encouraged to apply. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to incorporating chess into the curriculum, and competitive chess is not a requirement for eligibility. FIDE invites schools to share their stories to help educate communities about the transformative impact of chess.
Congratulations to the winners of the second cycle!
